Security agencies have reportedly flagged a number of streets in Nairobi CBD where mugging is believed to be rampant.
Some of these crime hotspots include Tom Mboya Street, from Khoja Mosque to Afya Centre, River Road and Moi Avenue from Kencom to Railways roundabout.
Others are Odeon Cinema stage, Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway, Kenyatta Avenue near GPO, Kimathi Street, Jevanjee Gardens area and Globe Cinema roundabout
According to members of the Nairobi County Assembly who on Tuesday raised an alarm over the rising incidents of crime in the city, lack of street lighting was a major contributor to this vice.
Nominated MCA Emily Owuor narrated to the House how she lost her handbag at 8 pm on Moi Avenue.
“I could not even scream for help because it was so fast and it took time before I realised what had happened. It was so dark I did not even see whoever snatched my handbag,” she recounted.
Owuor added that the issue of better lighting of city streets and informal settlements needed to be addressed in order to improve the security of residents and also to provide a safer trading environment for small businesses.
“Mama Mboga needs lighting so that she can carry on with her business late into the night without any fear,” she remarked.
Nairobi Central Ward MCA Daniel Ngegi sought a statement from the Executive on measures taken to ensure the safety of residents, businesses and visitors.
“I want the Executive to address the issue of street lighting. People coming from work and pedestrians are being mugged at night. Nobody is safe,” Ngegi commented.
Deputy Speaker John Nyumu directed the county government to table a report on the security situation in the city when MCAs return from their Easter break.
